Introduction to Child Sexual Exploitation Robyn Marsh – Young People’s Advocate 19th October 2017 1

Safer London Our vision is for young people in London to feel safe and achieve their potential We work to improve the safety and wellbeing of young people in London affected by violence and crime 2

Safer London Projects Holistic support for young people (16-24) gang-involved or gang-affiliated that can get support to exit or at imminent serious risk of harm from gangs. Pan-London referrals Bespoke training developed using research, policy, expertise from practice, and local research Support programme addressing young women’s experiences of sexual exploitation, primarily through gangs

New Statutory CSE Definition First published: Home Office, 16 February 2017 ‘Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.’

Young People’s Perspective “It’s when you don’t know your choices, that other people have all the power ...” “Through threats, bribes, violence, humiliation, or by telling you that they love you, they will have the power to get you to do sexual things for their own, or other people’s benefit or enjoyment, including: touching or kissing private parts, sex, taking sexual photos ...” Young Women’s Group, New Horizons - Out of the Box: Doncaster Streetreach “Some one taking advantage of you sexually, for their own benefit...”

Online Familial Gangs Peer on Peer Older Trafficked ‘boyfriend’ Sexual Individuals Groups Gangs Trafficked Online Opportunistic Familial Sexual Bullying Older ‘boyfriend’ Peer on Peer Child Sexual Exploitation

Children and Social Work Act 2017  Education relating to relationships and sex   Relationships education is to be provided to pupils of compulsory school age receiving primary education at schools in England; Relationships and sex education to be provided to pupils receiving secondary education at schools in England. Pupils are to learn about – Safety in forming and maintaining relationships The characteristics of healthy relationships How relationships may affect physical and mental health and well-being

Graphic by Ashley Fairbanks

Challenges on an Organisational Level Sexually exploited children and young people are frequently described by professionals as being; promiscuous... sexually available… asking for it… prostituting… Suggests children are complicit in, and responsible for, their own abuse. ROTA 2010 & CSEGG, OCC Nov 2012 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f8gV7-U_HU

Pan-London Sexual Exploitation Protocol June 2017

Protocol Aims Identify children at risk of sexual exploitation Work collaboratively, ensuring safeguarding Timely, effective interventions for children and families Pro-active problem solving to address risk associated with victims, perpetrators and locations Take action against those intent on abusing and exploiting children and young people by prosecuting and disrupting perpetrators Raise awareness and provide preventative education for the welfare of children and young people 12

Contacts Robyn Marsh Young People’s Advocate - Newham RobynMarsh@SaferLondon.org.uk 07590237298 Reanne Turner CSE Coordinator Newham Reanne.Turner@Newham.gov.uk Empower: Empower@SaferLondon.org.uk